The unemployment rate in Barrow County hit 7.9 percent in November, nearly double the rate from November of last year and higher than the overall state average for the month. It’s also one of the highest rates in the area as the economic slowdown is shedding thousands of jobs.

According to the state numbers, some 2,686 Barrow Countians are unemployed.

One possible bit of good news was that Barrow’s initial unemployment insurance claims dropped in November from October by 13 percent to 457 from 526 in October. But that number was still 90 percent higher than the year before.

Both numbers are likely to stay high in the coming months as the economic downturn continues to create layoffs and higher unemployment in the area. Statewide in November, the unemployment rate topped 7.5 percent, the highest in more than 25 years.

“Job losses are accelerating throughout most of the state’s economic sectors, with the exception of healthcare, education, and the federal government,” State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said.

The last time Georgia posted a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at this level was in July of 1983 when the rate was also 7.5.

In response to these jobs being "crappy."
My response is coming from a previous retail management
position that I had for almost 2.5 years. It paid a salary commensurate with the skill level and hours required in
my opinion. I'm not sure what you define as crappy, but
lets say that with the 3 anchors alone, Publix, Belk, and
Target alone that they offer 3-4 hundred jobs. Lets say that 10-15% of those are salaried or management positions. If it can provide income to that many people, whether they are making 6-10 dollars an hour or making a manager salary from 30-60k or more, isn't that better than no jobs at all? Also keep in mind that our unemployment rate is high in Barrow for many other reasons, one being
there just weren't that many jobs to begin with.

Mike,
I understand the need to report the latest accurate information concerning unemployment numbers. However, this information falls in line with the national media's current trend to promote "Doom and Gloom" mentality of "The sky is falling" to the average American.
My point is, that we know things are bad. The constant reminders simply extend hopelessness and fear. I for one am not a fan of extending the "GLASS IS HALF EMPTY" syndrome. We have a lot of positives still happening in this county,like the new Belk Store that will be opening soon, along with other retail operations.
Let's talk about some of those positive aspects of our county in the future. Let's try looking at "The Glass is Half Full" vs the usual drab fare. As always, I invite opposing viewpoints. Until next time............
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

DuWayne: I believe if citizens have accurate information, they will make the right decisions for themselves and their community. We report the facts and let readers make up their minds about it. No spin here.
Mike

Mike,
Again, I understand the reason, as I stated earlier. But as you are aware, the media in general seem to always lead with negative stories vs. opting for a few good news stories once in a while. It's a new year. Let's inject a little more in the way of positive stories this year when they are available. Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!
DuWayne

DuWayne do you have absolutely nothing in your life to do but argue with everyone on every newspaper and blog?I love reading the papers but every time I open one I see your name I get that you have your opinion but maybe you should keep it to yourself sometimes.

To answer your question, Yes. As to the rest of your comments, I can only say that if you don't like the opinions I post, then I would invite you not to read them, so you won't feel stressed out, as your post seems to indicate. I would remind you that reality is one thing, beating a dead horse day after day is another. I have heard from many in this county, who would like to zoom in on a few positives once in a while, not just the reality "Down in the dumps" stuff.
If that is your cup of tea, just turn on any evening news program, they will give you all the "REALITY" you can handle............
DuWayne

DuWayne....Half Full ..An interesting approach, but does nothing to change the facts. I appreciate a having a paper that reports on the good, bad, and ugly. We don't need a cheerleader for a newspaper....just the facts will do fine.
Mike.... I look forward to your reporting on Barrow county's financial situation as the facts become available. I'm guessing the half full'ers will not approve.

Spoken like a true Bush fan. The economy is fine we ARE NOT in a recession -- what - what's that you say -- we are -- really? Sorry America I was misinformed; we are in a recession

The banks and financial institutes are doing great -- what - what's that you say -- their not -- really? Sorry America I was misinformed. I spending your grandchild's money to bail out the banks. I've already spend yours HAHAHA

You don't see it in the so called other local newspaper. That paper reads like a Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

Keep printing the news Barrow Journal, be it good, bad or in between.

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